Ford reportedly will base Fusion sedan production in China
Mini unveils new, stripped down logo
The premium-fuel secret: You almost never need it
More than a half-million Hyundai, Kia compacts recalled for brake light problem
Tiny carwash used for somehow-serious purpose of testing Nissan paint
Ferrari set to hit new sales goal early to boost profits

Honda S2000 CR campaigning in 25 Hours of Thunderhill

Honda has remained a formidable force at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, an annual event held at the Thunderhill circuit between Sacramento and Redding, California. The automaker has campaigned a number of vehicles at the 25-hour enduro over the years, including a duo of Civic Sis and a handful of Acuras. This year, Honda's bringing out its newest track slut, the S2000 CR, to compete in the Performance Touring C segment. Not only is this a chance for the automaker to show how competitive the new lightweight variant of the S2000 can be on the track, it's also rolling proof of how it can be adapted for serious competition. Two S2000 CRs have been outfitted with a McMahen Autosports cage, BF Goodrich g-Force R1 racing tires, a single outlet exhaust sourced from AEM, Cobalt Friction XR racing brake pads and Goodridge stainless steel brake lines.

We're in the midst of contemplating coverage of the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, and if we do make it up there to live blog the event, we'll be keeping a close eye on the Honda boys.

[Source: Honda]

slide-452931

slide-452933

slide-452934

slide-452935

slide-452936

slide-452937

slide-452938

slide-452939

slide-452940

slide-452941

slide-452942

slide-452943

slide-452944

slide-452945

slide-452946

slide-452947

slide-452948

slide-452949

slide-452950

slide-452951

slide-452952

slide-452953

slide-452954

slide-452955

slide-452956

slide-452957

slide-452958

slide-452959

slide-452960

slide-452961

slide-452962

slide-452963

slide-452964

slide-452965

slide-452966

slide-452967

slide-452968

slide-452969

slide-452970

slide-452971

slide-452972

slide-452973

slide-452974

slide-452975

slide-452976

slide-452977

PRESS RELEASE

Seeking to highlight the on-track potential of the new 2008 S2000 CR, Honda announced today that two S2000 CRs will race in the annual "25 Hours of Thunderhill" endurance race on December 1 and 2. Billed as the "most severe endurance race on the planet," the 25 Hours of Thunderhill will mark the first time the 2008 S2000 CR will compete in a sanctioned motorsports event.

Cars in the race will be driven by two teams of four drivers comprised of Honda associates from its various North American operations, and two members of the automotive media.

Engineers from Honda R&D Americas built the cars to National Auto Sport Association (NASA) Performance Touring C (PTC) specs in an effort to demonstrate the on-track performance capability of the S2000 CR. The modifications were kept simple to show how easily track-day or amateur racing enthusiasts can convert their own CRs, and take them to the track. Each vehicle will be outfitted with a McMahen Autosports Roll Cage, BF Goodrich g-Force R1 DOT racing tires, custom single-outlet race exhaust by AEM, Goodridge stainless steel brake hoses and Cobalt Friction XR series racing brake pads.

Honda has already established a successful track record at the Thunderhill competition. In 2005, Honda associates campaigned two identically prepared 2006 Civic Si racecars which placed first and second in class and fourth and sixth overall in a field of 58 cars.

Building on the already great qualities of the S2000, the S2000 CR introduces more track-oriented suspension settings, aerodynamic-enhancing bodywork, a removable hardtop, higher rigidity and reduced weight to the S2000 formula. The added features are designed to appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy open track-day events and to provide a more ideal starting point for racers who modify the S2000 for competition in club racing events.